Hearing the Spirit

Text: Proverbs 30:5-6

 

I.         Many people are convinced that the Holy Spirit directly speaks to them

            A.        Yet, these same people will claim things contrary to the teachings of the Bible

            B.        And they rarely agree with each other

II.        The Bible is the product of the Spirit

            A.        It is not a product of men - II Peter 1:19-21

                        1.         Therefore, we need to pay attention

                        2.         Because these words are a guide

            B.        The Spirit searched to give us God’s thoughts - I Corinthians 2:6-13

                        1.         We have access to God’s wisdom, freely presented to us in the writings of the apostles and prophets - I Peter 1:10-12

                        2.         Mysteries unknown in the past have been revealed - Ephesians 3:1-7

                                    a.         All people of the world can partake in salvation through the gospel

                                    b.         Revealed by the Spirit in accordance of God’s power

                        3.         The gospel is the power of God - Romans 1:16-17

III.       When we read the Bible, we are hearing the Spirit

            A.        When John wrote to the churches in Asia, he said “hear what the Spirit says” - Revelation 2:7,11,17,29; 3:6,13,22

            B.        The writer of Hebrews quotes Psalms 95:7-11 as the words of the Spirit - Hebrews 3:7-11

                        1.         When you quote the Scriptures you are telling others what the Spirit said

            C.        When we follow God’s word, the Spirit is leading us - Isaiah 48:16-18

                        1.         Walking by the Spirit is following God’s law - Romans 8:1-8

                        2.         When you think about the Scriptures, you have the Spirit in you - Romans 8:9-11

            D.        The Scriptures are the voice of the Spirit

IV.      The Spirit’s words are proven

            A.        Every word is tested, so don’t add - Proverbs 30:5-6

            B.        But there will be people who lie and claim that God spoke to them - Jeremiah 23:21

                        1.         God is against them - Jeremiah 23:32

                        2.         They are only speaking things of their own imagination - Jeremiah 14:14

                        3.         People believe because it is what they hope is true - Ezekiel 13:6-7

            C.        But the Spirit’s words stand up to tests - I John 4:1-6

V.        Sadly, people believe their own lies, but we need to hear the truth - II Timothy 3:13-14

            A.        The Spirit’s words are complete - II Timothy 3:16-17

            B.        Only God’s word protects and gives life - Proverbs 4:11-13

            C.        Are you listening to the Spirit? - Galatians 5:24-25